Winter essentials

This is our final Christmas wish list, which brings together a final few items essential to a warm winter for any windsurfer. These along with all our previous wish lists provides the ultimate shopping list for the festive season, so anyone looking to buy for a windsurfer take a look!

Northcore belt

Our first winter essential, this one for on the water, is a heat belt. Northcore produce this one for £15.99, where you add heat packs into the pockets and then wear under your suit for added warmth. Looks like a good idea to us!

The next winter essential is a rigging jacket. Anyone that already has one will know these are an absolute necessity for standing around on the beach, especially in the winter. The pre and post windsurfing chat on the beach, is almost as much fun as the time on the water, so don’t miss out on this just because it’s colder. Our top recommendations for rigging jackets are the reversible jacket from Spartan (£89.00) and the NEO shelter jacket from ION.

NEO shelter jacket from ION

Spartan rigging jacket

Once you have decided to change out of your suit and taken off the rigging jacket, it’s essential to continue to keep warm. The best and easiest way to change at the beach or lake is with a poncho / changing towel. These keep you warm and hide your modesty, it’s a win win! Our top picks for these are again from Spartan and ION; ION offer this bright blue poncho (also available in black), whilst Spartan have this changing towel available for £29.50. 

Spartan changing towel

ION poncho

Bulldog changing mat and bag

ION Beanie

ION towel cover

Another handing changing accessory is a changing mat. Many of these, like the Bulldog version (£19.95) are both a comfy changing mat that keeps your suit off the sand and dirt, and a bag to take your wetsuit home in!

Once changed it’s time to head home, if you’ve got a long journey make sure you keep your head warm with this ION beanie. Or if you have a short journey and are heading home in your suit why not try these towel seat covers that will keep your seats nice and dry and can be used as towel for yourself too?

Our final winter essentials are a car/van dehumidifier to take away the unwanted moisture from your windsurfing gear, some anti freeze and a good windscreen scraper! There’s a lot of options on the market, suited to different vehicles, so choose the one’s recommended for your mode of transport. Check out more travel essentials here. 

Boards recommends the following retailers for all your shopping needs. 

These retailers stock listed products along with a lot more christmas gift options.

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Boardwise

Quayside Windsurfers

Robin Hood Watersports

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Juice Boardsports

Tech Trial

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Andy Biggs 

Bray Lake

L.A.R. Watersports 

Puravida Boardriders

Wet n Dry Boardsports

4Boards 

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 Check out the rest of our Christmas Wish Lists:

Keeping warm in Spartan!

At Spartan we do things differently. All our research and testing is completed in the cold waters of the UK, not in some tropical paradise whose most miserable conditions are still warmer than an average British summer’s day.

Building on 50 years of history and development we have engineered this new range of suits to raise Spartan’s glowing reputation in wetsuit construction to even greater heights.
Using feedback from our sponsored riders and development team we have created wetsuits that give maximum warmth, flexibility and comfort by using only the best construction, materials and features.

All aspects of the new Spartan range of high performance wetsuits have been analysed, tested, checked and double-checked. The attention to detail has been obsessive.

Thanks to this fanatical approach we have managed to achieve:

1. Flexibility and movement to compliment the specific sports.
2. Maximum warmth/comfort in extreme weather conditions

The sign of a good wetsuit is one that allows you to regulate your temperature over a wide range of air and water temperatures. Hence our R and D team tests our suits extensively all year round at home and abroad in the extremes of hot and cold water.

Lets bust a few myths….

The myth that a wetsuit traps a layer of water is an excuse for a badly made suit. All flushing uses valuable energy from the wearer to warm the next water layer up it is not an advantage.

The biggest myth is that double lined neoprene is warm in windchill, the National Physical Laboratory has proven that surface temperatures, and hence chilling, are in force three and above is greatly reduced by single lined neoprene and should be a windsports enthusiasts first line of defence against the cold.

Testimonials

Phil Dobner

Phil Dobner

The Vortex 5/3 is shit compared to sailing in board shorts but if you do have to use a wetsuit this has to be the closest you’re going to get for a 5mm suit! 
I don’t know what Voodoo technology you’ve used on the shoulders and arms but it’s like sailing in a Long John (which I actually quite like, it reminds me of my oppy days) 
I seriously could not feel any restriction on the arms at all, 
have you woven in a thin layer of the all curing rhino horn powder or used plain old Voodoo on the shoulders? 
The 3mm arms and shoulders are such a good idea…

Cheers guys, it let me land my first back loop, whoop whoop,  at 42 as well,  I thought it would never happen..   ( Phil Dobner April 2012 Shoreham beach)

Aron USA

I use a convertible version of their 4mm suit, I think it is.  Frankly, since I got your suit, I don’t use it unless it’s really cold out (in the winter storms, with the arms on).  What I like most of all about your suit versus the Patagonia suit is that it’s built specifically for windsurfing (which the other is built for surfing), and it has the capacity to deflect wind & shed water, which I really like a lot.  The wool in the Patagonia suit makes it a bit too hot as well for me. I run a bit hotter than most people, and so I’m trying to stay a bit more cool, which is another reason I like the sleeves off.  

Those are my thoughts off the top of my head.

Cheers,

Aaron

(August 2012 on the 4/3 convertible)

Martin Downing Aberdeen

see SUPer sunday!
Had some mental waves, but this seems to be the only evidence so far!
I was in your Xdry, toast warm throughout, watched many surfers give up with the cold, I came in at 6 in the dark! (Martin 2012 February)

John Pink and Richard Peacock commenting on the 3/3 Vortex

“Something I was massively amazed by is the steamer that you gave us. I always thought it was a 4 x 3, as I used it all winter and was pretty warm. It wasn’t until not that long ago I read on the sleeve 3 x 3 and was amazed that I had used it all winter when I usually had a 5,3 to do the same job!! ”

Dom Moore Extreme Kitesurfer and Surfer on the 3/3 Vortex

“Loving the Vortex suit, thank you. Since I got it, I’ve been in the sea probably 90% of days, surfing, bodysurfing, getting slammed into the sand, and now more recently that the wind is back, plenty of kitesurfing. It’s definitely a warm suit; I’m into my summer suit a lot earlier than my friends – the 3/3 combo seems very logical for the UK – there are still people here paddling around in gloves and boots though maybe they are a bit misguided! Feels very comfortable too and the neck seal is proving to be very reliable in all sorts of wipeouts. Wrist seals are good and the velcro on the ankles holding great so far, I’m really enjoying this suit for multi-discipline”.

Dom Moore (May 2011)

Corky Kirkman

BRILLIANT MATEY….GOING SWIMMING NOW IN WATERMAN SUIT…..LOVE IT…….TRYING IT ON A S.U.P FROM O’SHEA……SO WILL HIT THAT HARD TOO….K212 CORKY

Peter Hart

Peter Hart and the new XTR

Sorry this has been a bit late  - I got the new XTR winter suit, then the freeze came, then I went to Brazil – anyway  now I’m back and have been out in the weekend gales. The new XTR is quite simply the best winter suit I’ve ever used – in terms of flexibility it feels like a 3/2 and YET it’ toasty.
Great work too on the neck, arm and leg seals. Winter sailing has suddenly become appealing again!

Naomi Dines on her two new Spartan Winter suits

Just wanted to say how fantastic my new Ladies Cyclone 5/4/3 suit has been this winter. I’ve been out in 3 degrees with minus 5 extra windchill, and sea temps of 5 degrees, with only a shortsleeved polypro underneath, (plus hood and gloves) and been able to sail for a couple of hours at a stretch, which is pretty remarkable in a back zip suit, especially for someone just learning to sail in waves and spending plenty of time in the water! It’s also super stretchy and comfortable, especially the new neck, and really easy to get on and off. The lining seems to dry twice as fast as my other neoprene so the suit is dry overnight for the next session, which makes a real difference on the beach.

Adam Sims in the Spartan rigging jacket

Adam Sims K669 – about his first sail in a Spartan Wetsuit in  cold cold cold December 2010

“Hi Guys,

Got out at last, yesterday. Used the Extreme Dry and it rocks! The legs are super warm, in fact the whole thing is, although i felt like i had a mini heater around my legs which was really nice. Once I was sailing I didn’t notice the zip across the shoulders which was cool. Not sure what to say, except it was awesome! Gloves were a little small I think, probably should have gone for the large but no fret.

Hood was super warm.

Really had an awesome session. 3 Hours on the water non stop!! That’s a first for me for this time of the year i think. Didn’t feel cold once, except when rigging (out of the suit).

Cheers for the suits and have a great Christmas,” (Adam Sims K72 Dec 2010)

For more Spartan news keep up to date with them on Boards here, or head to the Spartan website. 

Spartan present the Reflex 5/4/3, which as a single lined suit presents great protection from the elements.

The Reflex is a vertical, zipped overhead barrier sealed suit. The chest lining has a specialist thermal material using the same technology as used in cold weather, technical, sports clothing. Combined with the refined panel layout, adjustable neck seal, water entry to the suit is kept to an absolute minimum; this suit allows maximum flexibility and warmth.

The Reflex is designed for wind sports and will keep you warm and comfortable even in a windchill.  5mm chest and back, 4mm legs, 3mm arms and shoulders with a vertical zip.

Spartan Reflex

Mesh. After the air temp drops below 14C and the wind picks up to force 3+ if you want to stay out on the water all day without getting cold and remain comfortable then the Reflex is able to protect you and keep you warm to the core. It must be a mesh suit we have tested everything and been in long talks with Neoprene manufacture’s who agree with our findings.

Quality of Materials. The Reflex also dries very quickly and does not absorb lots of water as the Neoprene is of a very high quality, the quality of the materials is so important for durability, warmth and the right amount of stretch.

Benefits for wind sports. Specially tailored cuff seals with option of Spartan straps to to allow true baggy arms that will ensure that the wetsuit does not prevent full supply of blood to the hands and therefore prevent cramping. The new water release valve in the leg works a really well. It allows water to run out of a special neoprene valve placed high enough so that if you need to prevent ballooning you can tie a Spartan Ankle strap. It s also a very easy leg to get on and off.

Design essential requirement. Today we all know that we want to prevent water entering a suit as it burns very valuable calories that are better spent on doing your chosen sport.

Tailored 3d fit. A wetsuit must fit well and our suits are tailored to make a 3d shape.

Reflex technical sleeve

Barrier

Reflex wrist

Benefits and features

1. 3D Profile: Neoprene is formed to create your body shape, and be comfortable on the water.
2. Smooth skin Neoprene: Greatest resistance to wind chill.
3. Xtend arm panels: Super flexible arm panels that work with your natural body movement.
4. Overhead Barrier zip seal system: No water penetration through zip area, ensuring minimum flush creating an extra seal around the zip and neck.
5. Warm chest lining: Wicks away moisture keeping you warm and dry.
6. Sealed seams: Eliminates water entry via the seams.
7. Water sports neck: Reduces water entry and extends seasonal use.
8. New Compound knee pad: Comfortable, flexible and durable.
9. New leg drainage: One-way drain holes in calf, stops water ballooning in lower leg.
10. Enhanced Neoprene layout: Very warm and durable.
11. Over head barrier
12. Cuff seals and smooth glide materials

Retail price £199.00

For all the info on the Spartan Reflex head to the Spartan website here.

Check out these Spartan recommended retailers:

Boardwise

Andy Biggs

Juice Boardsports

More items in the Wetsuit Guide:

But what does make the ultimate gift for a windsurfer? Over the coming weeks we will talk through a variety of gift ideas; first up are our favourite Winter Warmers – every image is clickable, so click the pic for more information on the item.

Our top pick of winter warmers

Keeping warm on the water is pretty tricky as temperatures plummet, but there are a few items which will really make a difference and mean you can stay on the water even longer. Gloves are definitely one of these items, but which style of glove would suit you?

There are two main types to look at: closed and open palm.

Closed palm, traditional gloves no doubt give the best protection from the elements. ION produce a pre curved version called the Claw (£23.95) which gives optimum warmth with comfort, and O’Neill also make a version called the FLX (£18.00) with a slightly tacky grip to help keep hold of the boom!

Which closed palm glove? The O'Neill FLX?

Or the ION Claw?

Click for more info!

Whilst traditional gloves offer the most warmth and protection, some windsurfers prefer the feel of an open palm glove.

With the palm part of the glove cut away it means that there is a little more flexibility and movement for the hand. This also enables you to get a better feel for the boom, whilst still protecting the outer part of the hand from the elements.

Again there are various options of open palmed gloves on the market; our top picks are from ION (£19.99) and Spartan (£17.50). Both provide warmth, flexibility and a great all round fit.

Find out more about Spartan Mittens

Or do you prefer the ION version?

Moving from hands to feet, there are again various options for keeping your toes warm over the cold spell.

O’Neill offer a traditional style boot, called Heat (£34.95) which more than lives up to it’s name and offers optimal warmth with 5mm fluid foam neoprene. Another fantastic boot comes from Atan, who offer two versions: the Mistral 3mm (£39.95) and the Hot Mistral 6mm! (£42.95). Designed by windsurfers, for windsurfers the Atan boots again offer warmth and a comfortable feeling in the straps.

Click here for more on the O'Neill Heat

And here for the Atan Mistral....or Mistral Hot?

The ION Ballistic socks

Billabong Revolution, also with split toes...

A different option for boots is to go split toes; some prefer this feel as it offers a little more movement  for the feet. If you are looking at this type of boot our top pick is the Billabong 3mm Revolution boot (£29.95).

The ION Ballistic Socks 6/5mm (£64.95) are also adding to the variety of footwear on the market. With no seams these socks offer an internal split toe plus an even more flexibility for the foot.

We all know keeping our heads warm, both on and off the water, makes a massive difference. Again with headwear, there are a few options to look at. O’Neill offer the fantastic Gooru Hood (£19.95) which gives complete coverage for head, neck and ears.

Relatively new onto the market are a new way of keeping your head warm; the neoprene beanie. Offering almost the same warmth as a full hood, the beanie will keep your head warm but with your ears free you can hear at full capacity! Spartan (£15) offer the beanie shown below and  ION offer an incredible 10 different designs from £19.99. Beanies also come with straps/strings so don’t worry, they won’t be lost at sea!

O'Neill Gooru Hood

Spartan Beanie, classic is great

ION Beanie: one of many to chose from!

Our final must have winter warmer is a thermal rash vest. These offer another extra warm barrier against the cold; O’Neill’s Thermo X is  fleece 8oz lined providing great insulation and comes in long (£34.95) or short sleeved (£39.95) . ION’s Hooded Neo vest (£64.95) is fully made of neoprene and can be worn under or over a wetsuit, where of course the  attached hood gives you the best of both worlds!

ION Neo Vest

O'Neill Thermo rash vest

Where to buy?

The following retailers stock items in this week’s Christmas wish list.

Andy Biggs - ION, Spartan, O’Neill and Atan.

Boardwise – ION Beanies, Spartan, O’Neill, Billabong boots and Atan.

Robin Hood Watersports - ION open palm mitts and O’Neill.

Quayside Windsurfers – ION and Atan.

Juice Boardsports – Spartan and Atan.

4Boards - ION and Billabong.

Bray Lake – ION and O’Neill.

L.A.R. Watersports – all ION Products

Puravida Boardriders - ION, O’Neill and Atan.

Wet n Dry Boardsports – ION and O’Neill.

For student windsurfers, Aussie Kiss X1I offered redemption of the sins of freshers week through the celebration of the lesser known 11th commandment ………..THOU SHALT WINDSURF, to which 600 disciples faithfully abided over one weekend this October

Aussie Kiss 11 gets underway

This yearly student windsurf festival, now 11 years old continues to develop and adapt – in true reflection of the way the sport continues to grow. This year the event proved itself to be not just bigger and better than its previous years, but probably the biggest and the best  of its kind.

The masses congregated late on Friday evening in Cornwall, with accommodation, breakfast and party venue provided by Bude Holiday Park over the weekend and excitement at seeing fellow windsurfers from other universities always leads to parting late into the night . Following an unwelcome early start on the Saturday morning, the minibuses and kit laden vehicles made their way to the windsurf spot about 40minutes down the road just across the border in Devon to Roadford Lake which has supported the event for the past 11 years.

Beginners Rule

There is no doubt that Aussie Kiss attracts some serious talent in the windsurfing world.  But it is not just about devout windsurfers celebrating the sport in all its forms- it’s about spreading/sharing the love (and we don’t just mean at the Saturday night party).

Beginners at AK.

AKXI this year saw 156 beginners take to the water in one weekend – a number unparalleled by any other windsurfing event, making Aussie Kiss the single biggest introduction of beginners to the sport in the world.

An incredible 41 student instructors and powerboat drivers gave up their own time windsurfing (or resisting the allure of a nap in the minibus) to impart their windsurfing wisdom to the new converts. In charge of organising them was SWA’s committee member Simon Garrod-Bell, who having learned to windsurf and gained his own instructors course through his own club at University West of England, is himself a testament to the SWA’s strength not just in introducing new people to the sport but also developing them into life time enthusiasts who can pass on their skills.

Beginner domination at Aussie Kiss

Another undeniably key ingredient to the energy and enthusiasm on the beginners beach was instructor extraordinaire Sam Ross, on board this year to help with teaching and organising the beginners and responsible for one of the weekend ‘s most impressive sights: what may well be a record for the largest balance point game ever achieved.

By the end of the weekend, Roadford Lake was awash with the fluorescent glow of  70 beginners rigs lent by various university clubs along with a generous contribution from SWA sponsors Boardwise. The new troops were able to make the most of excellent light wind on-shore conditions to learn the basics of the sport with the reassurance of ample safety cover from Roadford and their instructors.

This year, extra support from sponsors meant that you didn’t need to be pulling of flakas to win prizes. Up for grabs was the ‘most enthusiastic beginner’ title which Adrian Bell from Liverpool University who was was awarded a free ticket to Beach Break Live student festival next summer, whilst Sooz Kellagher, president of the Cardiff University club was recognised for her hard work and dedication instructing beginners over the whole weekend and won a intermediate instructor’s course courtesy of Sam Ross.

Getting wet whatever

Organising hundreds of students eager to get out on the water and windsurf is no easy task, but slick organisation from the SWA committee headed up by Event Manager Taffy Osbourne meant no one missed out. A huge thanks is also owed to SWA sponsors [Boardwise, Fanatic/North, RRD, Starboard/Tushingham, PatriK/Sailloft]  whose offer an impressive selection of demo kit which plays a huge part in the event, getting the intermediate and advanced sailors out on the water, as well as offering a chance to try out the latest equipment.

AK light wind freestyle

For the less windy lulls and those looking for a bit of variety, this year the lake offered an array of different activities for everyone to try. SUP provided a light wind alternative to try, whilst Roadford Lake offered banana boat rides for those who just hadn’t had enough of falling in the water.

Festival Vibe

This year, the event really expanded it’s festival feel. Whilst the need for wellies and chilly students added to the effect, the real festival vibe was down to Jodie Rimmington’s hard work in gathering sponsors, trade stands and bands to feature.

Chilling in the Red Bull tents

Sponsors Red Bull and Beach Break Live kept the atmosphere and the windsurfers energetic with their Tune Trucks pumping out music all day, whilst free red bull and mouthwatering burgers courtesy of Roadford Lake’s large barbecue helped re-fuel the cold and hungry windsurfers throughout the day.

Spartan wetsuits were also about for anyone looking to refresh their wetsuit wardrobe – with a huge selection of sizes and styles at brilliant prices, even many beginners were tempted by the investment. Anyone and feeling the chill of the fresh Devon air  before even hitting the water had a good excuse to visit trade stands such as Scruff Clothing and Be[anie] Unique, who had a selection of brightly coloured hand made knitted beanies and headbands on sale which proved very popular.

Towards the afternoon, the booming beats from Red Bull were paused and everybody crowed round to enjoy the live performances from talented local artists Sam Green, and Isaac Indiana who played an acoustic set. The afternoon was rounded off by a great performance from innovative music duo De’vide.

The festival even carried on back at the Bude Holiday park on the Saturday evening: if music, food, sport and shopping weren’t enough to round off a pretty perfect festival, the UK premier of André Paskowski’s film Rewarded following freestyle champion Gollito Estredo made it pretty much unbeatable. The film showed everyone just where the sport can be taken and everyone from beginners to pros were left wide-eyed and totally inspired to get trying some new moves or progress to the next level.

Festival vibe and great music

And then…

Of course, when the wind dies and the sun goes down and we can no longer feel our hands…windsurfers hit the dance floor. Student Windsurf events have become pretty much synonymous with insane fancy dress and Aussie Kiss Xi was no exception. Possibly some of the best attempts seen to date, this year’s theme ‘The 11^th Commandment – Thou Shalt Windsurf’ saw a plethora of expected biblical including devils, vicars, and the nativity, not to mention the Spanish Inquisition, bunches of grapes and jesus on a cross.

Once fancy dress was donned, beer jackets were very much needed and the night began with caravan parties and drinking challenges from an enormous 16-person beer funnel constructed by members of Liverpool’s club. You may be wondering where it went from there, and I can confirm that a large proportion of the party-ers are still asking themselves the exact same thing. Drinking did indeed resume through the more conventional vessels of cups rather than funnels, and as the music set in from Isaac Indiana, windsurfers spent the night proving that their dance moves are almost as progressive as their freestyle.

Competitive edge

Alongside the beginner windsurfing on offer at Aussie Kiss, which very much remains the focus of the event, the festival is also the first in the series for all the racing and freestyle action in the SWA each year. For many taking part this will be the first chance to see the competition since the summer when many will have spent time abroad training; so the competition at AK usually has the potential to throw out some surprises.

Tow-in time!

The conditions were a bit on the light side for any planing competition, however the new addition to the SWA of a tow-in event ensured the spectators had plenty to keep them entertained over the whole weekend.  The tow-in saw a total of 16 entrants put themselves forward for the qualification session on the Saturday. With limited places for grabs in the Sundays main competition, running alongside the pro demo session, the students had to pull something big out of the bag to be sure of securing a place. After a briefing and quick demo run from Max Rowe (Fanatic/North/ION) and Adam Sims (Patrick Dielheim boards/ Loft Sails) it was the turn of the SWA’s finest to have their go.  With many finding it hard simply to get up in what is an incredibly technical discipline those impressing the most early on included the usual SWA freestyle suspects of Ollie Action, Nicolas Terenzi and Adam Chubbock. Not to be left behind the list of entrants also saw 3 girls, proof the women’s scene is very much alive and kicking.

With the main beginner sessions and all-important party out of the way Sunday saw the competition get underway in earnest with team racing, a (light wind) freestyle competition and the tow-in final all taking place. University team racing was up first, with 16 teams of 3 taking it in turns on the one design RRD firerace boards in a simple out and back master blaster format. The racing as ever was not without its controversies but after plenty of collisions, shameless blocking and even some dragging of buoys it was to be last year’s champions, Southampton Solent, who were to come out on top bagging their club a fanatic board for their troubles.

With team racing out of the way it was the turn of the ever-popular freestyle event to take centre stage. Several competitors were clearly frustrated at the lack of planning conditions but with all the events counting toward the series, albeit slightly less for a non-planing competition, it was definitely all to play for among the 18 guys and girls taking part. With more flic flacking than you can shake a stick at, rail rides and lots of detached sail madness going down in all the 3 minute heats there was plenty for the spectators on the beach to watch. Impressing the all star judging panel the most was Adam “chubby” Chubbock, fresh from a season in Vass he will definitely be one to watch in the rest of the series. In a close second was last year’s freestyle champion Ollie Acton and Louis Morris came in third, someone better known for his racing talents but showing he also has the skills to mix it up in the freestlye as well.

Finishing AK was the tow-in final, the last on the water activity of the weekend.  Those qualifying from Saturday for the final took their runs with pro’s Adam Sims and Max Rowe thrown in the mix. Offering a taste of what the guys can do when it was windy it was a fitting end to the event with last year’s champion at Aussie Kiss Nicola taking top honors. Following a disappointing result for the Italian in the light wind freestyle, a big one handed air flaka from behind the powerboat was enough to secure him the tow-in title and prove that he will be one to watch when the wind kicks in at the other events.

This is just the beginning…

The masses at Aussie Kiss!

For anyone unfamiliar with what the SWA actually does, you may be surprised to hear that Aussie Kiss is just the first in a series of events. With seven more events to come hosted by various universities over the next six months you may wonder when windsurfers even have time to study, but they would certainly argue they have their priorities right. With these events attracting a heavy following throughout the year, it’s no wonder that the SWA teaches more people to windsurf every year than any other organisation. Watch this space…..

All images courtesy of Supersaturated.

NWF 2011 poster

The biggest windsurfing event in the country The National Windsurfing Festival (NWF) comes home to the shores of Hayling Island once more on 3-4 Sept 2011 with a slight twist, as we will also be conducting a National SUP Festival (NSUPF) along side the event. We are also pleased to announce the event sponsors Havant Borough Council and Spartan wetsuits who will sponsor the Night Windsurf/SUP competition and the now legendary NWF VIP Hawaiian themed party. We will also witness the return of The Heathrow Jets playing the night away. The simple master blaster format encouraging all abilities so popular with the freeride community will witness a maximum of 350 competitors sponsored by the windsurfing industry. With the UK’s best windsurfing guru’s on hand conducting clinics throughout the weekend. Online entry starts 1 June 2011 with the first 250 competitors securing their festival rashvests and no price increase. The NWF hosts the largest windsurfing trade show with their new 2012 collections. This is the one event which witnesses the whole windsurfing industry coming together in support of our NWF freeride community to ensure you have an festival to remember. More info entry and additional party tickets can be found at www.nationalwindsurfingfestival.com

Sponsors: 4boards, Vandal, Fanatic, Spartan, K3designs

Music: The Ting Tings – Two Hands

Adam Sims: Not quite Christmas Day, but close enough. SILTe and Turfdog team riders Mike Archer (F2/Maui Sails) and Adam Sims (RRD/RRD) keeping it real at Greatstone in the UK.

Conditions: About zero degrees with windchill, 25 knots side on, small freestyle boards and waveboards.

Keeping super warm in SPARTAN wetsuits!!!

Adam's early Christmas pressies!

Having recently sailed in -6 degrees with two suits I was pretty happy when John and Mark at Spartan wetsuits offered me sponsorship. Being able to go sailing in just the one wetsuit is definitely much better when it comes to flexibility and I’m a huge fan of the way they design and manufacture their gear, with a lot of rider input and feedback. It’s great to be part of such an awesome team, especially as I have quite a few friends involved as well.

Most importantly though is that the wetsuits are brilliant, the reflex is super warm and flexible. It’s not just one of those ones that claims to be, you really do notice it when you put it on. I really am happy to be a part of such a well-established brand, and with a name like Spartan I feel pretty invincible whenever I get inside one of their suits. I’m looking forward to all the future developments with the brand and the team and at promoting them as much as possible.

More at spartanwetsuits.com – and check out Adam’s double-suited antics on Boardseeker

This could be you! (Photo: Cat Bartholomew. Rider: Will Rogers)

To celebrate the launch of the new K3d Battlestick,  K3 have deemed that whoever claims the podium at the end of the SWA wave series will not only become the proud owner of a brand new K3 Battlestick. They will also be joining the elite K3d Team as a sponsored rider!!!

The K3d BATTLESTICK; the wave weapon,  is soon to be the latest edition in a range of 100% prepreg carbon masts with a semi stiff top and bazooka proof construction to rival the best 2011 hardcore wave masts on the market.

Fine SWA artwork

The best student riders from around the country will be converging on the West Coast this coming weekend for the first in the K3d Trilogy to battle it out for this prestigious prize. And the forecast looks like it could kick off!

By 2011 K3d will be offering 2 ranges RDM masts, RDM booms, extensions, SUP paddles. Check out www.k3designs.com for more info.

The K3 Battlestick should be your weapon of choice when it comes to hard core wave sailing. They have been proven in the tough surf of West Country spots such as Gwithian throughout the autumn gales and taking a beating in the freestyle–wave action of Brazil.

K3 Battlestick in action

STOP PRESS (!?!)

Spartan Suits up the SWA - Spartan wetsuits have joined forces with the SWA providing state of the art suits to keep us out on the water this winter!

SWA / Spartan

More at studentwindsurfing.co.uk

Jay Haysey

Club Vass’ Advanced Coach and Pro Photographer Jay Haysey has secured his latest sponsor – the UK’s Spartan Wetsuits! Spartan’s shortie and summer suit will be keeping Jay warm through those cooler afternoon windsurfs during this summer in Greece. Jay says ” I am very happy to be part of the growing Spartan team and to contribute my knowledge to help them design even better wetsuits, Greece is pretty warm at the moment but i have been using the shortie a bit and they are the most comfortable wetsuits i have ever used, its actually quite nice wearing a wetsuit now that is able to create the perfect body temperature and unbelievable comfort and flexibility! Get some more info about the Spartan products at www.spartanwetsuits.com or visit Jays blog at www.jayhaysey.blogspot.com